Extension of platelet concentrate storage by addition of sodium bicarbonate

Viability of platelet concentrate (PC) stored in polyvinylchloride bags in an elliptical rotator at 22.degree. C (standard PC) was assessed by in vitro tests and an alternate approach to extending the shelf-life of PC by the addition of hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (test PC) was investigated. The fall in the pH which occurred during storage in standard PC was arrested in test PC. Platelets stored under these test conditions maintained their morphology better than in standard PC as judged by their mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width. Recovery of stored platelets from hypotonic shock at 37.degree. C following resuspension in fresh plasma was better for test platelets. Platelets in standard PC were viable up to day 3 but were not viable at day 7. Thus, platelets store better in PC to which sodium bicarbonate has been added and behave as viable platelets up to 7 days.